November 2023 CHW Spotlight

Tara Nelson

Tara Nelson worked as a security officer in the Emergency Room at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, part of the Mayo Clinic, where she was affectionately known as “Ma.” Night after night, as “Ma” was called to help people showing up in crisis, she found herself thinking, “If only someone had helped them sooner.” Many people had specific needs, such as housing, access to food or medications, or simply someone to talk to, that if addressed earlier would have prevented an ER visit. She spoke about this at home, leading her daughter to tell her about the new CHW program. Tara earned her CHW Certificate and started working as a CHW at IMAA just after her own house was lost in a fire. “I had just been through something similar to what many of our clients faced – so between school and personal experience, I was fully equipped to help them.” Now, Tara is the Healthcare Education and Access Manager, working with a team of CHWs who serve clients from both IMAA and the Mayo Clinic throughout southeast Minnesota. Under Tara’s leadership, the program has grown from one CHW to a team of 14, serving over 1,500 clients annually. Additionally, Tara has educated and mentored many CHWs who now work in public health, public schools, and other locations, further spreading CHW services to individuals and families who need them. Tara said CHW work is important to her because everyone needs a helping hand at some point in their life and should be treated with dignity and respect. What Tara would like people to know about CHWs is that people feel cared for when you meet with them in person and help them connect to services so that they do not just receive phone numbers to call. “This is one of the affirmations I receive from patients often, that they truly appreciate it,” Tara said.  

October 2023 CHW Spotlight

There is no CHW Spotlight this month.

Please be reminded that you are welcome to nominate a CHW friend, colleague, or manager to be in the monthly CHW Spotlight as a leading role model in the work that they do for their community!

July 2023 CHW Spotlight

There is no CHW Spotlight this month.

Please be reminded that you are welcome to nominate a CHW friend, colleague, or manager to be in the monthly CHW Spotlight as a leading role model in the work that they do for their community!

We Are Hiring At The Alliance

The Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance seeks an experienced Executive Director who is passionate about our mission and able to lead our statewide organization with excellence.

Status: Full-time employee

Reports to: Board of Directors

Location: Remote with some in-person engagement required

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as nonprofit management, business administration, social work, etc.

· Minimum of three years of experience in nonprofit management or a related field.

· Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

· Previous experience working directly with, supporting, and partnering with a Board of Directors.

· Demonstrated experience in fundraising and development.

· Knowledge of nonprofit financial management and budgeting.

· Self-directed and able to work independently, as well as an effective member of a team.

· Strong project management skills, ability to balance competing priorities, complex situations, and tight deadlines.

· Strong knowledge and skills in organizing and leading meetings/trainings in a virtual setting.

· As the Alliance is a Minnesota-based organization, preference will be given to candidates residing in Minnesota.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter prior to December 31, 2023 to:

Kim Snyder, Excelsior Bay Group ksnyder@excelsiorbaygroup.com

952-451-929